Learn a simple taiko drumming phrase, then check out our #IfCitiesCouldDance Sacramento taiko episode, featuring Tiffany Tamaribuchi, among the world’s master taiko practitioners and odaiko players.
Taiko is the Japanese art of drumming, an expressive and empowering tradition that has flourished across North America--with deep roots in California. And it's really fun to play! Sacramento Taiko Dan Assistant Director and Instructor Sascha Molina demonstrates the horse stance; how to grip bachi or drum sticks; and play and perform various taiko drum hits and movements. Molina demonstrates on the chu daiko, with Ezrah Molina on the shime-daiko, and Nicole Stansbury, who dances. Don’t have a taiko drum and bachi? No worries, you can turn pool noodles or old cardboard paper towel rolls into sticks, and practice your hits on the couch or pillows.
Our history. Our culture. Our moves. KQED Arts’ award-winning video series If Cities Could Dance features dancers from across the country representing their city’s signature moves. Watch a new episode and how-to’s every other Wednesday.
🥁 Want to learn how to play taiko? Here are basics to get you started: 0:00 Intro 0:29 Bachi and different taiko drums 0:42 Horse Stance 0:53 How to Grip Bachi 1:20 Suku (small hits) 1:37 Doko (medium hit) 2:04 Combining Suku and Doko 2:17 Don (big hit) 2:58 Adding movement 3:34 Try the full phrase
